Charity groups seek local input

YOUNGSTOWN -- An organization created to encourage a spirit of cooperation in northeast Ohio is encouraging people to discuss critical economic and social issues during NEO Speaks Week, beginning Sunday.
During the week, more than 3,000 people from this portion of the state are expected to discuss challenges facing the area during extended coffee breaks, staff meetings or lunch hours, said Dave Abbott, co-chairman of Voice & amp; Choices.
One local session is set from 1 to 2:30 p.m. June 15 at YSU Metro College, 100 DeBartolo Place, Suite 200, Room 226, Boardman.
Voices & amp; Choices, created by about 80 philanthropic organizations, encourages citizens to work together to revitalize the northeast Ohio region.
The group's goal is to develop solutions in the areas of education, job growth, government cooperation, equity and fairness and improving quality of life.
During the past five months, numerous "community conversations" were held bringing citizens together to discuss the region's biggest challenges, Abbott said.
"We are beginning to think and act as a region and formulate solutions accordingly," said Deborah Vesy, Voices & amp; Choices co-chairwoman.
About 150 regional leaders met Tuesday in Cleveland to evaluate drafts of solutions to the region's toughest challenges developed at community conversations.
A final action plan will be developed later this year.